Capt Wolf Posted August 30, 2022 Posted August 30, 2022 Willem Guilder made his way into the darkened Council Hall. Lighting a candle, he walked up to the Admius Legistrad’s desk at the front of the room. Peering into the darkened hall, he heard a small noise in the distance. “Is anybody there?” Guilder asked. But there was no reply. It was likely just a mouse. For four years he led the Colonial Council from this desk. Now the streets were filled with rabble-rousers supporting Count Lewisham or cheering the return of King Fernando. And the Council Hall was empty. Eslandians had taken their freedom for granted; apathy (and greed) allowed the corrupt Count Lewisham to gain control of the Council. Lewisham was so despised, citizens now cheered King Fernando simply for standing up to Lewisham, something they could have done for themselves. “Does anybody care?” thought Guilder. Does anybody care that the establishment of the Colonial Council saved all Eslandians from the whims of the tyrant Fernando, who nearly got them into a war with Oleon over perceived slights that only a nightcap-throwing child could see. Does anybody care to take on Count Lewisham? Guilder had served Eslandola his entire life. Governor of An Holli. Director of the Merchant’s Colonial Trading Company. Member of the Continental Council. Charter member of the Colonial Council. When he stepped away from public life, he thought all was in good order. But nobody cared to stand up to Lewisham’s corruption. “Is anybody there?” he asked himself. “Does anybody care?” He reflected on how much good the Colonial Council had brought to Eslandians and the trade companies. “Does anybody see what I see?” he thought, as his mind wandered … They want me to quit They say, "Willem, give up the fight." Still, to Fernando, I say: "Good night, forever good night!" For I have crossed the Rubicon Let the bridge be burned behind me! Come what may, come what may For the Council! Lewisham’s lackies all say That we'll rue the day But we’ll make the Count pay Hang him by his toes! Through all the gloom I can see the rays Of ravishing light And glory! Is anybody there?! Does anybody care?! Does anybody see what I see?! I see fireworks! I see the pageant and pomp and parade I hear the bells ringing out I hear the cannons roar I see Eslandians All Eslandans Free forevermore! Suddenly aware of his surroundings again, Guilder looked around the room. How quiet How quiet the chamber is How silent How silent the chamber is Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what I see? *With apologies to Sherman Edwards, writer of the musical 1776. --- I decided to try my hand again at a darkened scene. Here's the full build in normal light: If not readily apparent, this build is in support of the Council! All C&C welcome. Quote
NOD Posted August 30, 2022 Posted August 30, 2022 I like the candlelit photo, it looks more interesting. One has the impression that the candle illuminates the room. Willem Guilder has a nice study. Many wise words but Eslandians voted. Quote
Kai NRG Posted August 30, 2022 Posted August 30, 2022 A great vignette and I really enjoyed your write-up too. Almost makes me wish for the council... wait, what am I saying?!? Quote
Capt Wolf Posted August 30, 2022 Author Posted August 30, 2022 8 minutes ago, NOD said: I like the candlelit photo, it looks more interesting. One has the impression that the candle illuminates the room. Thanks. That was the effect I was going for. 2 minutes ago, Kai NRG said: A great vignette ... Almost makes me wish for the council... wait, what am I saying?!? 3 minutes ago, Kai NRG said: I really enjoyed your write-up Thanks. FYI, re the lyrics, I've added a link to the song from the musical, if you care to hear Guilder's singing voice. Quote
Captain Braunsfeld Posted September 1, 2022 Posted September 1, 2022 I have the slight suspicion that the lyrics are not 100% yours Fine vignette! Quote
Capt Wolf Posted September 2, 2022 Author Posted September 2, 2022 12 hours ago, Captain Braunsfeld said: Fine vignette! Thank you! 12 hours ago, Captain Braunsfeld said: I have the slight suspicion that the lyrics are not 100% yours I never claimed otherwise. But the song and scene were too spot on for Guilder in this situation for me not to use it. Quote
Garmadon Posted September 3, 2022 Posted September 3, 2022 Ah, that poem is soo perfect! If the council was going to go the way of history I can't imagine a better way to send it off - you're making me sad already Seriously though, as a good American there's no way I can't love this Great rendition of the council room too, and the darkened picture looks sweet and so in keeping with your story here! Quote
Fraunces Posted September 27, 2022 Posted September 27, 2022 such a shame the eslandolians cannot properly value a true statesman. sure Guilder hasn't played all his hands yet! Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.